Over the years I’ve prayed for a number of people who didn’t even know I was praying—people like:
- The family of a toddler with a brain tumor
- a tollbooth worker struggling to make ends meet*
- the young wife anxious to become a mother
No doubt you’ve also prayed in secret for strangers, unbeknownst to them.
Rarely do we receive updates concerning these people. But one day in heaven, we just may hear their miracle-stories. And won’t it be thrilling to know we played a part through the privilege of prayer?
Secret Prayers
Sara Hagerty in her book Unseen wrote about secret prayers, but has taken the practice to a whole new level—a level I aspire to. Sara silently prays for strangers she happens to see while going about her day:
- the man in a wheelchair, that he might experience God’s strength
- the woman with vacant eyes, that God would fill her needful heart
- the man running to his gate at the airport, that he would run with God
The anonymity of such petitions gives Sara warm satisfaction, and no doubt puts a smile on her face.
Might God smile also? I think so.
It’s occurred to me that we experience other kinds of secrets with our Heavenly Father, and they too make us smile together with him.
Consider:
Secret Deeds
- M. often wipes down the sink area in public restrooms and then washes her hands. It’s M.’s secret delight to provide this small blessing for the next person.
- For years Norma frequently walked for exercise along a busy street, picking up refuse with a trash-grabber, then stuffing it into a grocery sack. After covering about a mile on each side, Norma would smile with satisfaction at the pristine street before turning the corner toward home.
- My husband will often strike up a conversation with restaurant waiters or waitresses. If they’re not too busy he’ll share a bit about the difference God has made in our lives, how he’s provided for us in amazing ways. Then, before we leave, Steve puts a generous tip on the table. It makes us smile to imagine their looks of happy surprise at first glimpse of those bills. And we pray they see the goodness of God behind the gift and seek him for themselves.
Surely God smiles as well.
Secret Moments
One category would be those times when one of his wild creatures approaches in holy proximity:
- The hummingbirds who hover close enough to touch as if to say, “Thank you for the flower buffet in the deck planter!”
- The doe that stood at the bottom of the deck stairs one morning when I exited the kitchen door. I froze; she froze. We stared at one another for long moments before she gracefully sauntered into the trees.
- The red admiral butterfly that rested on my knee one afternoon, allowing me to marvel at his colorations, the wingtip scallops and tiny stripes on his antennae.
I can’t help but smile in delight at God’s creativity, artistry, and workmanship—especially when observed up close and personal. And while reveling in such exceptional moments, I like to think he smiles too.
Secret Blessings
- Our youngest granddaughter recently climbed into my lap and nestled for a minute or so—unusual for a child always on the go. You grandparents out there know the special pleasure of each snuggle!
- Frequently over the years God has used song-lyrics to encourage me. On occasion I’m overcome by happy tears while experiencing his tender care through music.
- My husband and I basked together under a dazzling full moon the night of my birthday. While gazing at its soft glow, I sensed afresh the soft glow of God’s love, joy, and peace in my spirit.
Moments like these cause smiles of gratitude as our Heavenly Father expresses his personalized goodness. And I’m convinced God smiles with us.
Finally, there’s one more pleasure not to be missed: Sharing secrets and smiles with our Lord fosters intimacy and draws us closer to him. Our challenge is not to miss them.
What secret and smile have you enjoyed recently with your Heavenly Father? Please share in the comment section below!
*You can read the full story at: https://nancyaruegg.com/2017/10/19/tollbooth-encounter/.
Photo credits: http://www.rawpixels.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org.
From the Inside Out 
Oh, Nancy. This is beautiful! Prayer is such a wonderful privilege. If I am not the least among God’s followers, I am surely not far from being the least. And yet, He hears my prayers! And He answers my prayers! God’s grace is so amazing.
Yesterday, as my husband and I were eating an early dinner, I was praying and thinking about the hurricane that was battering Florida. I prayed for protection for the three blogger friends I have there, and prayed for protection for all His people. Most of all, I prayed for His perfect will to be done.
Then I looked out of our dining room window and saw a beautiful rainbow over the mountain. We are in eastern New Mexico. No rain and no storms were in our forecast. Indeed, we haven’t had rain in much too long. But there, as I was praying about the people being hammered by a powerful storm, a rainbow appeared over our mountain! My husband looked out the window and saw it, too.
I don’t understand why God allows tragedies like Hurricane Ian to happen. But I trust that ultimately, He is working all things together for good. And I trust that He hears my prayers.
We too have been praying for our “neighbors” in FL–we lived there for 40 yrs, though never in the Ft. Myers area. Amen to your last paragraph, Linda; I agree completely. And praise God for that rainbow which signifies hope in my mind. Thank you for taking the time to share your uplifting story, Linda!
Love this, Nancy! Those intimate moments from God are so beautiful to notice. I had a special moment from God today. A few days ago I realized my car tags were (majorly) expired. In the COVID craziness and after a few moves, the renewal application wasn’t getting to me, and I completely forgot about needing to do it. Today I finally got my new tags, and on the way home from the DMV, I got pulled over. 🙈 The offer was kind and laughed as I held up my new license plate and sticker and soon sent me on my way. But it made me think – how often in all the time that my tags were expired could I have gotten pulled over? God sees these things and cares for us. It encouraged me that God is sovereign over all things, big and small. ❤️
What a wonderful story to illustrate God’s attentive, personalized care for his children. Had you been stopped last week, you would have had a big nuisance on your hands for sure. Thank you for taking the time to share, Mary!
Hi Nancy. I really liked this. I haven’t had the chance to read and respond for a bit because my computer broke and we had to replace it. It is taking time to figure this new computer out. I recently met a woman in Costco and we talked about her son in the Coast Guard and how he was having a tough time of it. I told her that I would pray for him and though I don’t know them, I pray for him, her and their family each morning. I love the thought of sharing a “secret” with God. How wonderful. Thanks for this blessing. Shelley M.
Wouldn’t it be fun to run into that woman at Costco again, and have her tell you how your prayers have impacted their family. It could happen . . . ! Meantime, may God bless you Shelley for expressing your Christian love through prayer–in secret.
Funny you should mention running into that woman again. I was just thinking of that this morning when I was praying for her. She was the sweetest “younger than me” mother.
With God all things are possible, right? And evidence through the centuries would indicate he delights in surprises too. So keep your eyes open for that sweet young mother! 😁
I like your thoughts about praying for strangers. This is such a purposeful way to be God’s hands and feet. Blessings!
I think so too, David–purposeful and delightful!
Nancy, all of these secrets you mention are so inspiring! I want to look for opportunities to do and experience more of these moments. I just downloaded the book you mentioned and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing all your secrets. 😉
Hello Tresa! LOVE the haircut–very chic! I think you’ll enjoy Sara’s book, about celebrating faithfulness, consistency, and obscurity (from the foreword). I highlighted quite a bit throughout!
Thank you! I borrowed the ebook from the library, but I’ll probably wind up purchasing it just so I can highlight. I didn’t want to wait to start it!
I really enjoyed this post, Nancy – thank you. I relate to many of the examples, but none more than the full moon. I look forward to each one, and seeing them late at night in a dark sky captures me in a way that removes all distractions, and puts me in a contemplative state where I feel the “phone line” to God is open for a two-way conversation.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Dave. There IS something about the stillness of night that fosters our connection to God. And since God is light, perhaps we’re drawn to moonglow because it’s a gentle reminder of his presence.
Such tender, doable, inspirational examples of caring, Nancy. Thank you for reminding us much more than we’ll likely ever know transpires at a distance and beneath the surface, stories of grace in which our prayers or simple actions play a role.
Dear Nancy,
My computer has entered the ice age, nothing a-stir but the pinwheel of death.
Do I don’t think my comment registered on your blog. Thank you for reminding us much more than we realize transpires from afar and beneath the surface than we realize, our prayers playing a role in stories of unfolding grace. Such an encouragement to me today.
Your blog is a consistent source of edification, my friend.
So blessed,
Laurie
>
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, Laurie. I love your image of activity beneath the surface. Reminds me of icebergs–we see such a small fraction of their actual size. Their immensity provides a picture of God’s unfolding grace; much is hidden from view.
Nancy, this is such a beautiful reflection of the Lord’s grace and love shining through you and these other people. Secret prayers and secret deeds–unlike everything the Pharisees did–are true glimpses of God at work in us to make us more like Jesus. Stories we won’t know the end of this side of heaven. Situations we can’t understand until we’re in glory with our Lord. It’s all a part of His grand design. And I think it gives the Lord as much joy and delight as it does us in those moments when we’re truly listening and moving out of a heart of deep love. Thanks for this, my friend.
Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comments, Dayle. Praise God this post ministered to you!
Once again, my friend, you have blessed me so much with your writing. All these ways of touching the lives of others, whether they even know it or not, are such food for thought…and action! And the secrets we share with God and the ways He answers are so sweet. I love that thought. Two nights ago, after a day where Aaron had three seizures, he told me as he got ready for bed that he felt like he was having a dream. Sometimes that precedes a seizure but not always. I was hurrying him to bed while silently asking the Lord to please keep him from having a dangerous drop seizure. He hadn’t been in bed for more than 2 minutes at the most when he did have a seizure but was safe because he was laying down. I was so thankful. And now I’m thankful for how you share your wise words with us, Nancy, and for the joy you are to me.
And I’m thankful for you, Patty, and find joy in your writing as well–How about that?! Praising God with you that Aaron’s recent seizure occurred in bed. That made it a bit easier on him–and you. Praying for YOU, my friend.
Oh I love that Nancy- “Sharing secrets and smiles with our Lord fosters intimacy and draws us closer to him. Our challenge is not to miss them.’ I read Unseen several years back. It might be time to dig it out for a reread. I like how you extended Hagerty’s secret prayers to secret deeds, secret moments, and secret blessings.
Thank you, Beth. I’ve been journaling through the scriptures she lists at the end of each chapter. It’s taking me awhile since she included many, but there’s no reason to rush. As part of the process I’m also rereading the highlights of each chapter. So much of what she says resonates with me!
Secrets and smiles that bring our hearts closer to God. Love your blog
Thank you, Carolyn. It warms my heart that these posts minister to you, my friend!
Love this, Nancy! Thank you sharing your secret prayers, moments, and blessings! Sometimes we go through life not seeing those things as blessings, but they truly are. So grateful for them all.
I have a feeling that you and Bill took the challenge to see each blessing, given the circumstances you faced. His blog posts over the years indicated that kind of attitude, one that recognizes every touch from our Heavenly Father. I continue to pray for you, sweet friend!
Yes, we did, Nancy. And, friends like you were one of the blessings. Thank you so much for your prayers.
It’s been my honor to pray for you, Mary.
I accepted the Lord as my Savior at the age of five. In the course of interacting with fellow Christians for over sixty years there have been a few times when wittingly or unwittingly I have been hurt by something done or said by them to me. The hurt from another born-again runs deeper because it is something so unexpected, especially when it involves a church leader/pastor. In my heart I’ve forgiven them. Just recently it has dawned on me that perhaps they were going through something which caused them to be careless or insensitive. Upon that realization I decided to hold them up in prayer. It’s like that phrase “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” No one is perfect and neither am I. I may very well have unknowingly hurt someone myself and would cherish their forgiveness and understanding as well. In a way, I hope my comments sort of fit in with your blog this week.
Such a wise attitude to adopt, Cheri! The perspective you share here can make such a difference even in smaller matters. Just this morning, a driver pulled out in front of me (even though no one was behind me) and then turned a couple of blocks later. But I tried putting into practice a positive perspective and thought, “Perhaps he’s in a hurry for something vitally important,” and my frustration began to ebb away. Your second point is also well taken: I’m not a perfect driver either and have undoubtedly caused inconvenience for others as well! Thank you for sharing, my friend!
Grief has me struggling with purpose, but I do now really look at the people who cross my path.. that they may be seen, heard, and lifted in prayer.
There’s certainly purpose in seeing, hearing, and lifting up in prayer those who cross your path, Donna. May God bless you with wisdom and discernment as you do!
Love how you took this thought and invited us deeper and deeper!
Thank you, Jean–and welcome home!
I love how your posts always convey a message of the importance of gratitude, such a beautiful example of appreciation for our Lord’s many blessings to us. We can always find something to thank Him for!! Thank YOU for this reminder, Nancy!!
The emphasis on gratitude to God just happens, Alicia! Perhaps it’s because I’ve found it to be such a positive force in my own life.
❤️
What a privilege we have to pray for others, even in secret. I enjoyed the ideas you shared here. We have endless opportunities to spread smiles. Lovely post!
So glad you enjoyed the ideas here. I like your “spread the smiles” idea–that’s an achievable goal for every day! Thank you Bridget!
Inspiring message! Nancy, thanks for sharing this journey of secret prayers and life’s blessed smiles. My wife and I have been helping family as they navigate through some of life’s storms. We receive so much more than we give.
Isn’t it glorious how that works?! Thank you for what you and your wife do to help others. No doubt God smiles upon your efforts!
Nancy, I love those secret smile moments.
I went through a period of a few weeks where, every time I turned around, I saw a heart. It would be a heart-shaped cloud, a heart-shaped rock, a heart-shaped leaf, even a heart-shaped spill on the counter. They made me smile, being reminded that God loves me. 🙂 ❤
I once heard on the radio about the tragic death of a little boy about my son's age. I prayed for his mother, that the Lord would comfort her, and that she would come to know Him, if she didn't already. Providentially, I met her years later, and she had indeed come to know Him. I expect many more encounters like that in heaven. 🙂
You might remember a post from January (https://nancyaruegg.com/2022/01/27/emblems-of-love/ ) about the reminders of God’s love he provided for me. Those moments of discovery certainly DO put smiles on our faces! / As for your experience of praying for that bereaved mother: what a miraculous encounter, that you and she should actually meet years later! Indeed, we’ll undoubtedly get to revel in many more such moments in heaven. How glorious THAT will be–along with everything else God has planned for us!!
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